The story of how an almost forgotten Irish manager saved the legendary FC Barcalona from financial ruin and possible final closure during the Spanish civil war 80 years ago is a fascinating one.
Patrick O’Connell was an extraordinary sporting figure who had an outstanding career as both a player and a coach before eventually dying in obscurity in London.
It was completely appropriate that his legacy should finally be recognised through the unveiling of a memorial plaque at his former home in west Belfast yesterday.